“You're so dead, bitch."

Anthony, my ex, snarled, grabbing my hairs while blood flowed from the corner of my lips as I could feel a rush of blood flowing out my body with a sharp pain.

"Please… I.. Be- Beg you..."

I whimpered with uncontrollable tears streaming down my face, trying to bear this tribulation which suffocated me.

He threw me away, I fell on the floor, sobbing my anguish out and when pain shot through me, the realization hit me like a truck back then.

‘Is this the life you wanted, Marianne?’

Closing my eyes I released the final tear, glaring at him.

"What's with the look, huh?"

'If you don't fight for yourself then no one will'

My sister, Rebecca's words echoed in my mind as I grabbed a knife and without a warning stabbed him.

I… took a life.

“NO!!”

Waking up with a loud gasp, my hazel eyes were coated with horror as I desperately tried to wipe my face, to remove the blood only to find out it was just in my imagination.

With a pant, my body was quivering as I searched for my anti-depressants desperately to subdue the frightening sensations roaming freely in my body.

“It was nightmare, Marianne, just a nightmare, everything’s fine,”

Chanting, I chugged the pill along with some water down my throat. Pushing my hair, I fell on the bed, struggling to breathe.

I must recover from this state.

No matter what, working for the Obsidians was my dream and I couldn’t let anything ruin it. Not a single flaw was acceptable this time.

It means more than anyone could possibly comprehend to me.

I couldn’t mess this up.

My breaths hitched, jaw dropping, when I checked the time.

I was so damn distressed about the nightmare that I forgot it was my FIRST DAY for the shoot!

I panicked once again, falling off the bed with my head hitting the floor, “Argh, fuck!”

Going through my things, grabbing them quickly while checking my phone real quick.

“Byron has left over ten texts. Dammit! I am late!” I sighed, pushing my hairs back, sighing mentally that the bonk didn’t leave a bruise and ran down after getting ready.

“Late again, huh?” My househelper, Amie, couldn’t help but to laugh.

“Here you go, I prepared your juice already,”

“Thanks. Bye,”

“Take care, Ma’am,”

Shaking my head to ease the throbbing pain recurring those venomous memories. Even after dying he had to haunt me before my every endeavour.

I tend to discard it but the sight had rooted deep within my core, I couldn’t annihilate it, even if I wanted to.

“What a great start….”

I muttered, fixing my form in the car to uphold my graceful and heart-throbbing image before all.

Plus, I heard Mr. Black was extremely strict about work, and this would give him a reason to scold me.

Another damn reason to insult me… Fuck!

After I was done regaining my composure and handling my anxiety, I finally decided to attend the call from Byron who was highly displeased.

“Where the hell are you, girl?! Mr. Black is here too. He is asking for you, he seems… angry,” Shit.

“I am on my way, Byron, I am sorry, I will be there,”

“Everyone is present and you are late on your first day. How could you be so irresponsible, Mari?”

I couldn’t help but to get irritated, not that I did this on purpose.

“I told you I am sorry. I will be there soon, I just had a nightmare, okay?”

“Shut your excuses and come quickly.” He said furiously before cutting the call.

Sighing, I mentally prepared myself for a long scolding from him, resting my chin on my palm as I looked out of the window, convincing myself to not mess it up more than I already did.

“Okay, you can do this, Marianne, don’t let a nightmare ruin your dreams,”

Convincing myself, I got out hastily when we reached the studio. Tilting my chin up with forming a sly aura around me to assert my presence and walking forward.

Byron was with my team that rushed to my side the second I arrived.

“Oh, thank Goddess you are finally here. Get ready, let’s not enrage Mr. Black more than you did already,”

“Okay,” Nodding quietly, I obeyed.

But unknowingly, my eyes searched around, seeking a certain billionaire who didn’t bother to catch a glimpse of the model he hired so hopelessly.

‘You wanted me as your model, right? Then why don’t you come and see me? Where are you?’

This mindless thought evoked but shaking my head, I entered my luxurious vanity to prepare for the shoot.

Still waiting for Mr. Black to come and see me once, at least.

Place the sourness aside, I was his model, the face of his upcoming brand, his attention should be on me, right?

“Uh, Byron?”

“Hmm?”

“Where is Mr. Black?” I finally decided to ask when there were no signs of him.

“Who knows? He was so annoyed that you are not here and walked away. Maybe went for a smoke,” He shrugged his shoulders.

“I see…”

“Anyways, let’s go,”

When everything was done, my immaculate form was completed, I rose to leave. But not before sparing a glance at my beautiful self, laced with bewitchment, smiling to myself.

“Aren’t I the most beautiful, Byron?”

He smiled, “Yes, you are, Mari.”

Going with Byron, the second we entered the studio, a familiar strong scent discontinued my steps. Inhaling sharply, my eyes fell on the dominant man who was talking over the phone.

“...-That is not my concern. Do as I say. Now.” So... commanding. I thought.

“Sir, Marianne is here,”

Gracia cleared her throat, snapping her fingers twice to get his attention and pointed at me, causing him to cut the call and dart at me.

“Hmm?”

And then I saw him.

The irresistible, drop-dead gorgeous man with shimmering emerald eyes, one could easily drown in them and that is exactly why, I won’t stare into them.

His brown hair combed to perfection. In an all black three-piece suit jacket, emitting opulence. Aura wrapped with a charm none could resist yet through his sly demeanor.

All I found for myself was a… glare.

“Mr. Black, I apologize for the delay-”

“Marianne.”

My heartbeats picked up upon being called so authoritatively. Cutting my resonance and strength through one word.

Just my name.

He saw through me and his anger faded. Handsomely resting his hands in his pockets, he arched his brows and threatened me before everyone.

“Do that again and this will become your last day here, Marianne Morris,”

He smirked. Victoriously. He won, again.

Winning thrice in a row, that bastard walked away after asserting his dominance which indicated: ‘This is my territory. You are going to be how ‘I’ want,’

Everyone could feel the rage emitting from me. Although my chin was high in pride, the scar he managed to inflict by winning thrice was unbearable.

One day, I will show that asshole.

“Happy now?” Byron frowned but ignoring his call, I merely pushed my hair behind, acting as if nothing happened and walked forward.

“Let’s go now,”

They were all staring as the sound of my heels stopped, features hardened as I growled, “Didn't you hear me? Let’s go!”

“Y-Yes, Ma’am,”

Panicking at my loud call, they all followed as the shoot started and I poured all my efforts into my work, not permitting someone’s determination to degrade me to lessen my confidence.

This industry won’t break me nor will I let it.

I had attained this position with extreme efforts. Him or his petty attempts won’t throw me to the ground.

“Beautiful!” Our photographer called, clapping as we were done for today.

As usual, I looked exquisite and I won’t deny, the dress was designed delicately. Mr. Black had surely laid his hands on a talent.

“Who is the designer of the dresses? It’s not Mr. Black, that I know for sure,”

“No one knows. Mr. Black didn’t tell anyone yet. He got the designs and ordered to prepare them,”

“I see.”

All the robes were made exquisitely, as if someone popped a dress of imaginations into reality. But, was it him? If someone else, then who?

At this rate, I wouldn’t be surprised if he got an exclusive order for a royal figure too.

“He says his brand is going to be formal-only.” Our photographer said playfully.

I smirked, “I can tell. Look at this dress, I had never seen such delicacy before. Who is the mastermind?”

“Let’s find out. He had to tell us sooner or later,”

“Of course,”

“Well, that’s none of our concern, Mari,” Byron interrupted, gesturing to me to leave.

“Oh, Okay,”

I was honestly intrigued because I was absolutely in love with the few designs shown to me. After the launch, it would definitely be among my most favourite brands.

“Your turn, Zoe,”

“Right there,”

She came and waved at me, she was my fellow model and we had no hostility… yet.

“Great work as always, Marianne,”

“Well, let’s rock this project too,” I waved back.

“Sure!”

After being done, I went back to my vanity and could feel the stress building in me due to the glare from my dear manager.

“I can’t believe it, after reminding you over and over again, you still found a chance to get on his nerves, Mari,” He growled, pinching his nose to show his frustration.

“What did I do? I am sorry, I didn’t mean to be late,”

“Just, please, don’t ruin this chance this time,”

“... Okay,”

Forming my lips in a thin line, I nodded, taking a seat, trying not to get this horrible day to get to me.

But, the way Mr. Black had humiliated me by not coming to sign the contract, by his voicenote, and then warning me before everyone, I won’t forget it.

He will pay one day!

Huff, nonetheless, the rest of the days were fine. He wasn’t there after all. Soothed in his absence, I was indulging in my work to the core.

Until one day, I arrived and saw the emerald-eyed bastard hovering over Zoe, trapping her on the wall with his one hand above her and the other tracing on the side of her face.

“Well, well, where are you going? I believe there is time for your turn,”

Trapped in the spell of his enticement, hearing his husky tone halted my steps too and before I could realize, I was staring at them.

Holding her chin, he lifted it to ensure she doesn’t break the intense eye-contact and I knew, resisting those shimmering eyes was impossible.

Her face glowed, placing her hand over his heart, melting in his temptation, pressing herself against him as she asked seductively.

“So tell me, what can I do for you, Mr. Black?”

“What is in your capabilities, My Dear?”

Chuckling, he kissed her neck, leading it down to her shoulder and without a warning, pressed her body into his.

My mouth gapped at how he was allowed to do that, so openly, so perfectly.

The way his fingers trailed on her spine, it made me shiver.

But, he was the Boss, the pillar of the fashion industry, and let’s be honest, we all need his favor.

“What if someone sees?”

“So? Who can stop me?”

His lips were so close to hers and fortunately Byron dragged me out of my stunned state by pulling my arm.

Remembering I was shamelessly staring at an intimate pair, I averted my gaze with a blush but then a mischievous idea struck me.

Before he could proceed, just to ruin his fun, I stepped forth with a smirk, faking a cough, breaking his rhythmic moment that brought a scowl on his handsome features.

“Ahem, Mr. Black.”

Zoe gasped, giving me an apologetic look that I won’t think wrongly of her and tried to move back but she was caged between his muscular arms.

“I expect to see you soon, Dear.”

He whispered to her before letting her go finally and turning to face me, resting his hands in his pockets with a teasing smirk.

He understood I did this just to piss him off.

“I thought we were here to work and I am on time today,” I said sourly, trying to hold myself.

“We are but I got bored, and thought about indulging myself in something else.”

His low husky tone came, taking a step closer but not wanting to be in the same position as Zoe, I put my hand in between.

I had my boundaries set up straight, I won’t give into the charms of this playboy, I won’t let him take advantage of me.

“Well, we are here to work not to be a toy- Oh, sorry, you don’t see us beyond puppets,” I glared, hating his personality which could sway anyone.

‘I bet he could never love anyone.’ I thought outrageously, pushing my hair behind and turned to leave.

“You sure don’t fancy me, do you?”

To my insensitive remark, he just chuckled, coming after me.

“I don’t intend to be like every other woman you have met. What can you do anyways other than lusting?” I replied coldly, forcing out a smile as we went inside.

“Well, if lust is a sin, so is pride. In that case, aren’t we the same, Marianne? Sinners?”

My mouth gaped, stopping instantly and turned only to bump into his toned chest. Lifting my gaze, I found him smirked devilishly at me, indicating he did this to get my attention.

Because he and me, same? Using ‘we’ for us? LIKE HELL!

“You-” I growled.

Glaring at him to which he flashed an alluring smirk, caressing a strand of my hair between his index finger and thumb.

“Careful, if you get too close, you will drown in me,”

Whispering seductively, he inhaled my scent, inducing a strange sensation in me which I absolutely hated.

Curling my hand in a fist to control myself, I moved back immediately, creating distances as I should.

“I have my shoot, Mr. Black,”

“Sure, go ahead, I am not holding you here, am I?”

Glaring at him for the next few seconds, I scoffed and walked away.

It took too much effort to be attentive towards the shoot when he was right before me.

Manspreading, he licked his lips along with strong eyes contemplating me as an urge to devour me flashed.

I saw it!

I swear, for a second, it felt like he would do anything to consume me into darkness. Into some wicked web and I won’t be able to escape even if I wanted to.

Please let it be my imagination.

I prayed hopelessly, I shook my head and continued working, blocking all the negative aura received by him which only worsened when he approached me after the shoot.

“Coffee?”

No compliments? Not even a ‘good job'?

I was about to reject it but Byron, for the sake of reducing the animosity and breaking the wall between us, interrupted me.

“Of course, she would love to, Mr. Black,”

Sighing, I rolled my eyes, folding my arms at my chest. His eyes darkened, observing my actions carefully that made me slightly unsettled.

I didn’t want to but Byron forced me as we were at a nearby coffee shop.

My gaze was out of the window, unsure what to speak when he was observing me. Carefully, very carefully.

And I was desperately endeavoring to block the radiance of those questionable eyes, scanning me like an open book.

“So,” He cleared his throat, “What’s the score, Marianne?”

“3 to 1,” I spoke so fast that my eyes widened, realizing what I said as he laughed faintly, waving his hand.

“So you actually stopped me to pay me back,”

I panicked, “N-No, no, I mean,”

“Leave it. It’s all written on your face,” He shrugged, gesturing to me to relax but it was the only thing I was unable to do in his presence.

When the coffee arrived, I sparked a conversation, hoping to cut the thick air which was hastening my beats.

Seriously, to sit two minutes alone with him was too much for me.

“So, I heard you wanted to start your own brand for a long time, didn’t you?”

“Yeah, It was a dream which I am finally fulfilling, I couldn’t find the right people and time for it but now I do.” He smiled, taking a sip.

“I am finally doing what my parents couldn’t.”

“Really?”

“Hmm,” He hummed, pausing for a moment, “Although I had zero expectations from you but you proved me wrong,”

“Why is that? Have you not heard or seen my walk?” I chuckled gracefully.

Finding it hard to believe that he had no hopes from me, the supermodel, one of the finest models currently. I mean, he hired me.

“I did but I thought you would deliberately sabotage me since you glare at me all the time,” Oh, nice idea.

I forced a smile, tilting my head, “Am I glaring now?”

“Yes, but, tell me,”

Resting his elbow on the table, he placed his chin over his palm in order to lean in and locked those eyes with mine, hitching my breaths while challenging me.

“Am ‘I’ glaring now?”

I accepted his challenge and narrowed my eyes, shifting forward as well. Solely focused on finding out, nothing else.

I stared, and stared, attempting to find any sign of wrath, hostility in his eyes but all he displayed was a sly smile.

Tilting his head, an aura of charms swirled around him and after a thorough inspection, when I found not a single indication of negativity, I trailed off nervously.

“... Uh, no…?”

He chuckled, shaking his head, breaking the contact and poking my forehead without a warning.

“Wrong answer.”

Before I could demand an explanation, he was already standing. He slid his shades on, the dark lenses hiding his expression as a sudden, cold austerity returned to his posture.

“Let’s go back.” He turned and walked away without a backward glance while I kept staring.

What did he mean, wrong answer?

When we returned, I was standing by the monitors, reviewing the raw shots with Byron, when the air behind me shifted.

I didn’t need to look to know it was him, playing another game to twist my mind..

“Frame forty-two,” his voice came right next to my ear.

I stiffened, my breath hitching as he reached past me to point at the screen. He didn't just point, though. His arm brushed firmly against mine, as completely on purpose as he gripped my forearm for a second.

“Mr–” I gulped, raising my brows but before I could react he let go as the heat of his skin seared through the thin fabric of my sleeve.

I tried to shrink away, but he didn't move. Instead, he leaned further in, his chest nearly grazing my shoulder, his knee between my legs which froze me.

His other hand came up, resting, seemingly by accident, on my waist to steady himself as he squinted at the monitor breathing heavily in my ears.

“What do you think of this, Marianne?” He asked seductively, indirectly referring to the blazing heat of our body.

The touch was electric, enhancing my heartbeats, the coldness in my bone when I felt his knee against my thigh, surging a spark in my body.

“What–” I was about to turn but he held my chin and made me look at the monitor.

“About this.” He pressed himself into me more, draining my strength, inducing a thrill I attempted to resist.

His presence, his breaths, his scent, all was a lingering pressure that evoked the natural reaction of desire from within. My heart pounded against my ribcage as if it would leap out of my chest.

“Don’t you think it's…. Perfect?” He hummed on my neck.

And I knew he could feel the way my body betrayed me by tensing into a hard line of desire and panic. It made him smirk, darkly.

I looked up, ready to snap at him to watch his personal space, but he was already pulling away.

“The lighting is off on the jawline,” he said calmly to Byron back to his frontage of a professional indifference.

He didn't look at me. He didn't even acknowledge the fact that he had just sent my nervous system into a meltdown.

He checked his watch, adjusted his cuffs, and started walking toward the exit, “Fix the shadows for the next set, Marianne. Try not to look so... distracted.”

I stood there, mouth slightly agape, my skin still humming where he’d touched me.

The arrogance was staggering. He had dismantled my composure with a single ‘accidental’ touch and then tossed me aside like a discarded draft.

“Distracted?” I hissed under my breath, my face flushing a deep, embarrassed crimson.

“You clearly were.” He smirked.

I wasn't just angry anymore. I was humiliated. And the worst part? He knew exactly what he was doing.